The Sovereign Hand of God: A Devotion on Psalm 35:25
"Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up." - Psalms 35:25

The world can sometimes feel like a battleground, filled with conflicts where we witness injustice and malignancy take center stage. In battling against the forces that rise against us—be it personal trials, persecution, or misunderstandings— we aren’t merely faced with external enemies, but also with the very real emotional and spiritual struggles that arise within our hearts. In this context, the words of Psalm 35:25 offer profound comfort and encouragement.
Psalm 35:25 states, "Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up." Here, David implores God to intervene in the conflicts he faced, particularly against those who were oppressing and persecuting him. The psalm reflects a deep trust in God's justice and sovereignty over all circumstances.
### Acknowledging Our Adversaries
In life, it is not uncommon to find ourselves overshadowed by adversarial forces—be they individuals who gossip, spread falsehoods, or cause emotional turmoil. As we reflect on the phrase, "Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it," we recognize that adversaries often relish in our downfall, believing that their actions have succeeded where they intended. They desire to demonstrate power over us, but it is essential to understand that no one holds power over our responses but God.
When we consider the desire of these foes to "swallow up" those they oppose, we unveil a deeper fear. The phrase suggests a desire to consume, dominate, and obliterate hope. In life, such symbolism can take the form of crippling doubts or overwhelming fears that seek to swallow us whole. Yet, in these moments, we are called to remember that our worth and fate are not dictated by others’ actions but are securely anchored in God’s hands.
### Trusting in God’s Retribution
The prophetic statement David makes, asking God to intervene so that adversarial voices are silenced, resonates deeply with believers today. When we declare our trust in God, we acknowledge His dominion over the situations we cannot control. Romans 12:19 reminds us, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." Knowing that God sees the deeds of men and that in His timing, He will deliver justice encourages us to respond with patience and grace.
Instead of allowing the words and actions of others to dictate our emotions and responses, we reach out for the divine comfort of God. We hold fast to the promise of His sovereignty—that while we may be engaged in an earthly struggle, we are not alone in our battle. God is our Defender, and as we ponder on the psalm, our pleas become not just requests for vindication but declarations of faith that God will act justly on our behalf.
### Finding Peace in Prayer
The essence of the psalm boils down to a plea for divine intervention. As we meditate on our challenges, let us make our case known to God through prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us not to be anxious, reminding that prayer can guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
It is within the communion of prayer that we find solace and strength. When the weight of oppression feels insurmountable, we can fully lay our burdens—our fears, our frustrations, and our injustices—before God. The acknowledgment of our helplessness opens the door for God to intercede and orchestrate what we cannot.
### Conclusion
As we honor this passage from Psalm 35:25, let us remember the ultimate message of reliance on God. The verse teaches us to recognize our vulnerabilities against adversarial forces while turning our eyes and cries toward Heaven. We let go of our desire for vengeance and instead immerse ourselves in the hope that God’s justice will prevail. Amidst all trials, let us proceed with humility and faith, confident that God will deliver us, and wrongdoers will not triumph in their desire to consume us. We are upheld by a Sovereign who loves us endlessly and desires our total well-being.
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Psalms 35:25 Artwork
Psalms 35:25 - "Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up."
"Let them not say in their hearts, Ah, so would we have it: let them not say, We have swallowed him up." - Psalms 35:25
Psalms 105:35 - "And did eat up all the herbs in their land, and devoured the fruit of their ground."
"And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer." - Psalms 78:35
"With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth." - Psalms 35:16
"He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings." - Psalms 107:35
Psalms 104:35 - "Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the LORD, O my soul. Praise ye the LORD."
"Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help." - Psalms 35:2
Psalms 78:35 - "And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer."
Psalms 106:35 - "But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works."
Psalms 107:25 - "For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof."
"Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them." - Psalms 35:6
Psalms 35:16 - "With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth."
Psalms 35:12 - "They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul."
Psalms 107:35 - "He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings."
Psalms 35:2 - "Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help."
Psalms 35:6 - "Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them."
"Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them." - Psalms 35:5
Psalms 35:20 - "For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land."
Psalms 35:9 - "And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation."
Psalms 89:35 - "Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David."
Psalms 69:35 - "For God will save Zion, and will build the cities of Judah: that they may dwell there, and have it in possession."
Psalms 119:35 - "Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight."
Psalms 35:5 - "Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them."
Psalms 35:28 - "And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long."
"Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles." - Psalms 25:22
"Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way." - Psalms 25:8
Psalms 25:7 - "Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD."
Psalms 35:11 - "False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not."
Psalms 35:18 - "I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people."